Norwich City tipped to grab bargain signing of the summer, but Championship rivals are ‘keeping tabs’

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Norwich City’s season is pretty much over now, but EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that the club is in a strong position to sign one of their top targets this summer, though they should fear a swoop from Championship rivals.

After the 2-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle this weekend in the Championship, it’s safe to say that Norwich City fans have given up on that faint chance of a play-off adventure come the end of the season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
6	Bristol CityBristol City	40	15	15	10	51	43	8	60
7	CoventryCoventry	40	17	8	15	57	53	4	59
8	West BromWest Brom	40	13	18	9	48	36	12	57
9	MillwallMillwall	40	14	12	14	39	41	-2	54
10	WatfordWatford	40	15	8	17	48	53	-5	53
11	NorwichNorwich	40	13	13	14	62	56	6	52
12	BlackburnBlackburn	40	15	7	18	42	43	-1	52
13	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	40	14	10	16	54	61	-7	52
14	PrestonPreston	40	10	18	12	40	47	-7	48
15	SwanseaSwansea	40	13	9	18	41	51	-10	48

The Canaries are now 11th in the table, with 52 points and six games to go, sitting eight points behind Bristol City who occupy sixth place.

While Norwich brace themselves for something a rebuild in the summer, with Borja Sainz tipped to leave and Josh Sargent also expected to be a wanted man, there is one player the club has already identified that they really want to sign for next season.

Whether they get their man or not remains to be seen, with various factors at play, but EFL Analysis has exclusive information on the matter.

• READ MORE: 5 Championship stars who should be playing Premier League football next season

Norwich City are eager to sign Jacob Wright permanently

Jacob Wright has been a shining light for Norwich since joining on loan from Manchester City on deadline day back in February.

It’s no surprise, then, that Norwich are keen to snap up the 19-year-old on a permanent basis come the summer.

And, speaking to the press (via the Pink’Un) Wright himself has admitted he is eager to stick around.

When asked if he would want to sign for Norwich long term, Wright said: “Yes, 100 per cent. I’m really starting to build something nice at the club. I’m enjoying it. It’s a good family club.

“I’m really enjoying the way they play. Hopefully, we can get some better results next season if I am to stay. I’d definitely like to stay, hopefully.

“I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot game by game. I’m working as hard as I can in training every day. I’m pushing to try and get in the starting XI week to week. I feel like I’m improving as a player, both on and off the pitch. I’m really enjoying it.

“Any game time that I get here is a bonus. Obviously, I want to start as many games as possible, get as many minutes as possible. But whenever the manager wants to put me in, I’m going to come on and do my best.”

The initial loan deal included a £2.3m purchase option for Norwich, which it would seem they are very likely to trigger now. For a player with Wright’s potential, the Canaries would be looking at one of the deals of the summer, if they can get it over the line.

• READ MORE: Birmingham and Wrexham can make dream come true for son of Premier League star this summer as transfer tug-of-war begins

Sunderland and Middlesbrough are also looking at Man City youngster

So, with both parties seemingly happy, surely a deal is ready to go? Well, not quite, as it is thought other teams are circling Wright ahead of the summer.

We asked EFL Analysis transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the situation, and he told us: “There is interest elsewhere – that’s true. I understand Man City are ready to let him leave this summer.

“I do know Middlesbrough and Sunderland are keeping tabs – but that would likely be dependent on if they lose any of their current midfield stars.”

As for Norwich’s hopes of winning the transfer race, Bailey added: “It’s hard to say for sure. Given he is settled, you would think so, but that would be just speculative.

“Obviously, purchase options are not worth anything unless the player agrees.”

With Hayden Hackney’s potential departure and Jobe Bellingham a target for Borussia Dortmund, both Boro and Sunderland could need a new, young midfielder to reinforce their ranks. There’s a chance, then, that either club could hijack Norwich’s deal for Wright.